Total pages in book: 122
Estimated words: 115288 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 576(@200wpm)___ 461(@250wpm)___ 384(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115288 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 576(@200wpm)___ 461(@250wpm)___ 384(@300wpm)
“This is quite a nice place you have here, son,” he says after he swallows his bite and washes it down with milk.
“Thanks, we like it.”
“Peyton seems to be settling in okay, isn’t she? Loves her new room and can’t stop talking about that Harley woman who used to take care of her when she was a baby. I didn’t realize the two of you had kept in touch.” He smiles, but it seems tense.
“We hadn’t actually. Lynn and Ian had a birthday party for their daughter at Spark House, the event hotel Harley and her sisters own, and we reconnected there.”
“I already told you that, Kyle,” Karen reminds him.
“Hmm. I must’ve forgotten. Well, it’s nice to see Peyton getting comfortable here, even if we do miss her a lot.” He finishes his sandwich and wipes his hands on a napkin.
“You’re always welcome to visit, and now that we’re settled in, I’m sure we’ll be able to schedule regular trips out your way too,” I placate, wanting to make sure they know that just because we moved doesn’t mean we won’t make the effort to see them.
“That’d be nice. I think Karen is missing all the time with her granddaughter.”
I feel the guilt like a weight on my chest, getting heavier with each jab. I’m sure I’m reading into things and turning their comments into something they’re not.
Peyton comes skipping into the kitchen. She’s changed into a new dress that Harley picked up for her and refused to take any money for, saying it was a back-to-school present, even though the three of us went back-to-school shopping and she bought Peyton stuff then too.
“What in the world are you wearing, Peyton?” Karen purses her lips in disapproval.
“It’s my new dress. Harley bought it for me!” She does a twirl and the sparkly, poofy skirt fluffs out.
“What’s wrong with the dress I laid out for you?”
“I want to wear this one.”
“I think it’s perfect.” I put an end to that unnecessary conversation. “And we should really think about heading out since it’s already quarter after five.”
We pile into my car, Karen sitting in the back with Peyton, and Kyle up front with me. We chat about my work and the projects he’s started around the house, and how he’s been trying to fit in as much golf as he can before the courses close for the season.
When we get to the school, Peyton bounces excitedly, pulling me along, telling me all about her classmates and how much she loves it here already. She points to a piece of artwork on the wall outside her classroom.
“Why is the horse pink, Peyton?” Karen asks.
“Because when we use our imagination, they can be any color we want, and I wanted my horse to be the color of cotton candy,” she announces.
“Oh, well that’s … interesting,” Karen mutters.
We peek inside Peyton’s classroom, which is bustling with students, most of whom are dressed up for tonight’s performance. Peyton waves to another girl who, like Peyton, is dressed in a frilly, poofy skirted outfit, except hers is purple and Peyton’s is green.
I do a double take when I notice the petite blonde standing next to the classroom teacher. At first I think I’m seeing things until Peyton claps her hands and shrieks, “Yay! Harley is here! Come on, let’s go say hi to her!” She takes her granny’s hand and pulls her into the classroom, calling out Harley’s name.
Back when Harley was Peyton’s nanny, I would give her weekends off when Peyton’s grandparents came to visit, in part to avoid any conflict with Karen, but also because she couldn’t work seven days a week.
Harley’s smile widens when her eyes land on me.
We’re introduced to Peyton’s teacher, Mrs. Horton, but the classroom is filling up quickly, so Karen and Kyle say they’ll meet us in the hallway, while I hang back.
“I had no idea you were going to be here,” I say, more than a little surprised.
“Emily, Peyton’s teacher, got married at Spark House last year. When I picked up Peyton the other day, we got to talking, and I offered to help with the class since it’s a lot to handle on her own. I hope that’s okay.” She picks a piece of lint off my shirt, then absently smooths out my lapels before dropping her hands.
“Why wouldn’t it be okay?” I glance toward the hallway, where Karen and Kyle are waiting for me. Karen’s expression is pinched, and I can only guess what she must be unhappy about this time. Probably that she’s not the one talking to Peyton’s teacher.
Harley follows my gaze, but Karen and Kyle move out of my line of view. “My intention wasn’t to overstep. I honestly didn’t think anything of it, but I probably should have let you know when I volunteered.”